India

 Mystical Journey to India & Bhutan

India is one of the most magical destinations in the world. In its rich spiritual history, lie the roots of Astrology as we know it today. This ancient art and science remains an important facet of the lives of many Hindus where new-borns are traditionally named based on the Jyotisa charts, and astrological concepts are pervasive in the organization of the calendar and holidays, as well as in many areas of daily life, such as making decisions about marriage, opening a new business and/or moving into a new home.

Michelle was said by Kryon in a channeling by Lee Carroll, to be a “Master Astrologer. The first one to bring Quantum Astrology to this planet”. During this journey, she will:

• explore the different kinds of astrologies (Vedic, Tropical etc…),

• interpret each morning the planetary aspects of the day

• explain the wisdom contained in the symbols of the planets and the signs

• talk about the history of astrology

• share many of the practical uses of astrology to assist us in our daily lives

• tell enlightening and little known facts about astrology….

  
  
  
  
  

  Kindly note that no previous knowledge of astrology is required.

  This journey which will appeal to all levels of astrology. To those more advanced, as well as to those how have never studied this science, yet are interested in its wisdom.

Journey limited to 22 participants.

ARRIVAL:

November 6, 2021: New Delhi airport (flight from home, booked by you). Check-in at 2 PM

DEPARTURE:

November 19, 2021: Check out at noon. New Delhi airport (flight to home, booked by you).

Kindly note that a tourist VISA is required. It can easily be obtained in advance, online, at any Indian Consulate.

ITINERARY



Day 1 (Nov 6): Arrival in New Delhi

Meet and greet at the New Delhi airport.

Transfer to our hotel.

Free time to adjust to the new time zone.

DAY 03 (Nov 8): DELHI/LEH

Early breakfast and transfer to Delhi’s airport for our flight to Leh.

In Leh, transfer to your hotel and check in for a complete day of rest.

Evening Meeting and interaction with a local monk

(B, tea/coffee, L)

DAY 04: LEH

Breakfast at hotel.

XVIIth century Hemis Monastery and Thiskey. The biggest and most important monastery in Ladakh with an impressive collection of tankhas, gold statues and precious stones decorated stupas.

In the evening, meeting with the King of Ladakh at Stok Palace (subject to his presence in town and good health). (B, L, tea)

DAY 05: LEH

Early Morning Yoga Session on the bank of the Indus River.

Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Tibetan SOS village at Choglamsar.

Overnight in Leh. (B, L)

DAY 06: LEH/DELHI/JAIPUR

Early morning breakfast and immediate transfer to Leh’s airport to board our flight to Delhi.

Jaipur’s stunning hilltop forts and royal palaces on its desert landscape form an exotic backdrop to Rajasthan’s romantic capital.

Late Afternoon experience demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing.

Optional excursion – Not additional cost:

Galta Kund, a XVIII century religious site with two main temples and a number of small shrines and its seven sacred tanks fed by natural spring water. "Surya" the Sun Temple high on the ridge provides spectacular views of Jaipur city. Galtaji is also famous for the large tribe of celebrity rhesus macaque monkeys.

 (B, L)

DAY 07: JAIPUR

Breakfast at the hotel.  

Hill top Fort Palace of Amber with its panoramic view of the historical old town.

Possible ride up to the fort on elephant back. Exploration of the ancient town.

Anokhi Museum which superbly documents the resurgence of hand-block printing.

The picturesque XVIII century Jal Mahal "Water Palace".

1799 Hawa Mahal "Palace of Winds" Enabling the veiled ladies of the harem to observe unnoticed the lively streets below. 

The City Palace Museum with its splendid introduction to Jaipur's princely past, and its fascinating arts and crafts. 

The Royal observatory built between 1728 and 1734, described as "the most realistic and logical” landscape in stone.

Exploration of Jaipur’s old colorful markets famous for its traditional crafts, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, jewelry, precious stones and metals.

Overnight in Jaipur. (B, L)

DAY 08: JAIPUR/AGRA

Drive to Agra.Visit of the Agra Fort built between 1567 and 1573

Taj Mahal, a UNESCO world heritage site, with its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship.

Overnight in Agra. (B, L)

 DAY 09: AGRA/JHANSI

train to Jhansi Shatabdi

Short drive to the medieval city of Orchha with palaces and temples of the XVI and XVII century and known for its chattris 

Drive to Khajuraho famous for its enchanting temples dedicated to womanhood and its legendary Khajuraho dance festival. Famous for their erotic architecture.

Overnight in Khajuraho. (B, L)

DAY 10: KHAJURAHO/VARANASI  

The UNESCO protected temples of Khajuraho, known for their erotic Hindu and Jain carvings.

Flight to Varanasi.

Visit of Varanasi, the World's most ancient living city. Crowded with temples, and its labyrinth of street, along the red and golden waters of the Ganga River, it is the carpet-manufacturing place of India.

Overnight in Varanasi. (B, L)

DAY 11: VARANASI  

Just before dawn private boat cruise on the Ganges River. This is the magical time when pilgrims trickle out of the  labyrinthine lanes and head for the steps leading to the river (Ghats) to wash their clothes, perform yoga asanas, offer prayers and take a ritual dip.

Visit of the Bharat Mata Temple with its unusually detailed map of India,

The Durga Temple painted with red ochre, the Goddess’ color.

The Benaras Hindu University with its art collection (XII-XX century).

Afternoon relaxation at our hotel, or shopping in the lanes of Varanasi. Popular for silk weaving and the “Banarasi Sarees”, it is also famous for brassware, copperware, ivory work, glass bangles, wood work, stone work, clay toys and exquisite gold jewelry.

Evening activities, rituals and prayer ceremonies with hundreds of devotees to worship the river Goddess Ganga with incense, camphor, flowers and leaf-boat lamps on the riverfront at Dasaswamedh Ghat.

Overnight in Varanasi. (B, L)

DAY 12: VARANASI/DELHI

Visit Sarnath where Lord Buddha is said to have given his first sermon. Sarnath includes the V century Dhamekh Stupa, several monasteries, temples, a museum and the Bodhi tree, under which Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. (Special Prayer Service with Buddhist Monk at Sarnath).

Flight to Delhi.

DAY 13: DELHI/PARO/THIMPHU

Breakfast at our hotel. Flight to Paro, Buthan.

Upon arrival to Paro International Airport, clear Immigration and Customs. The drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan will take us through the winding road with lots of beautiful hamlets.

If time permits visit stroll around the weekend market where organic fruits and vegetables, holy incense, clothing and handicrafts are sold.

During dinner meet important Government official for a talk about Gross National Happiness.

Overnight at Taj Tashi Hotel (B, L, D)     

DAY 14: THIMPHU

Buffet breakfast at hotel. In the morning, receive long life blessings from a senior monk and offer butter lamps at the Monastery. This is the most powerful offering because the light from the flame symbolizes the wisdom of the awakened mind, dispels the darkness of delusion and mental obscuration. While at the Dzong, have a meditation session at the main prayer hall of the Dzong under the guidance of a monk or master. The blessing ceremony will last about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Later, we meet a local astrologer who will do a reading of an astrological chart based on your date and place of birth.  The astrologer will be present at the hotel to do the readings. This will last about 10 -12 minutes for each guest.

Then, we visit  Tashichho Dzong:  located on the northern edge of the city of Thimpu, on the western bank of the Wang chu Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan's most stately and arguably the most impressive building. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk desi or “Dharma Raja”, the head of Bhutan's civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. The current Dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, when he moved the capital to Thimpu from Punakha. The Fortress of the glorious religion houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk moves to its winter residence in Punakha.

Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9AM to 5PM on weekends. 

Later, visit Jungshina Handmade Paper Factory. The Jungshi handmade paper factory (Jungsh’ meaning natural) was established in 1990 to safeguard the old domestic skills that have been practiced for generations. Now, it is an ancient art significant in the modern world.

Observe the traditional process of creating handmade paper out of bark of two tree species – the Daphne and Dhekap. The Deh-so paper was originally used in monasteries for woodblock, manuscript books and for writing prayer books. Try your hand at this tempting craft of making natural paper that you can take as a souvenir.

We then explore the traditional fortress – style Dzong architecture of the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, filled with fascinating large collections of stamps, postal history and other souvenirs.

Bring an image or click a photograph in the nearby studio to print personalized post stamps that is legal to use in letters or postcards.

Overnight at Taj Tashi Hotel (Deluxe Room). (B, L, D)

DAY 15: THIMPHU/PARO

Morning enjoy yoga session at the hotel. Later, buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Before we begin our drive to Paro, visit The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a XIX century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tool, material, object, equipment and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. 

To showcase the authenticity of the country, the museum preserves a rural setting with paddy, wheat and millet fields, a traditional water-mill with mill stones more than 150 years old, traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were grown over the past 100 years and the famous traditional hot stone bath. Native trees and plants that had domestic uses in Bhutanese rural household are being grown here in an effort to keep indigenous knowledge about the use of natural resources alive.

Then, The National Library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong. It was initially housed and established in 1967 within the central tower of Tashichho Dzong. Later, due to its growing collection, it was moved to its current location and inaugurated in 1984. The building that initially had a small collection of precious texts now holds an archive responsible for collecting and preserving important past, present and future documents on Bhutan for future generations. The library also has a representative collection of English and western language books mainly related to the Himalayas, Bhutan and Buddhism.

On-route to Paro, visit Simtokha Dzong. According to a legend, this dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing the people in the region and guard the place. Hence, Simtokha translates as “Atop a Demon”. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu Valley.

It is the first structure to incorporate both monastic and administrative facilities. Since 1961 it has been the home of the Rigney School for Dzongkha and monastic studies. Its students are both monks and ordinary people. The Dzong’s antique murals are renowned for their historic and artistic value and the frescoes and images are among the finest in the country.

Upon arrival in Paro, check in to the hotel.

In the evening, indulge in an archery session. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. This is particularly a fun activity with group. 

Overnight at Zhiwa-ling Hotel (Junior Suite Room). (B, L, D)

http://www.zhiwaling.com/

DAY 16: PARO

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Later, start your day with visit to Paro Dzong. Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means “Fortress on a heap of jewels”. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The dzong was built in the XVI century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. In the past, this dzong was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet.

Unlike most of the other dzongs in Bhutan that suffered severe damage, the Paro Dzong survived the massive earthquake of 1897. However, it was almost burnt to the ground by a fire in 1907. All-important relics were lost to the fire and nothing could be salvaged except for the Thongdrol, a 20x20 meter-wide Thangka. The Thangka is displayed annually during a ceremony called Paro Tshechu. The Dzong was however rebuilt the following year.

Then visit the National Museum of Bhutan. The National Museum of Bhutan is a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong which is an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. This unusual round building is said to be in the shape of a conch shell. The original building was constructed in 1656 but the building was converted into a museum in 1968.

The building houses some of the finest specimens of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues and paintings gathered from different parts of the country with cultural heritage of more than 1500 years. The National Museum has in its possession over 3,000 works of Bhutanese art, rich holdings of various creative traditions and disciplines that represent a remarkable blend of the past with the present.

Continue your visit to Kyichu Lhakang. Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan. The temple is one of 108 built by Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism. Temples were built across the Himalayas to pin her body down. Kyichu Lhakhang pins down her left foot and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee.

Guru Rimpoche visited this temple in the VIII century and concealed many spiritual treasures here. The fine statues of the Bodhisattvas and the Buddha in this temple are national treasures. The wooden floor of the sanctum is inlaid with turquoise and coral gemstones offered by pilgrims.

Offer butter lamps at the Monastery. This is the most powerful offering because the light from the flame symbolizes the wisdom of the awakened mind, dispels the darkness of delusion and mental obscuration.

Later, we visit Farm House (traditional village house). The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Enjoy a cup of tea at the colorful farm house of Paro that overlooks an amazing view. Soak in the unique ambience and indulge in a delightful interaction with the locals.

Later, drive back to the hotel. Overnight at Zhiwa-ling Hotel (Junior Suite Room). (B, L, D)

DAY 17: PARO/KATHMANDU/DHULIKHEL 

Early breakfast at hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival, at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative. We then drive to Boudha. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is built on a massive three level mandala style platform and is 36 meters (118 feet) in height. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. The ancient stupa is one of the largest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet that enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Buddhist sage, perhaps parts of the Buddha’s body (bones, teeth), or sacred texts and other ceremonial objects.

Boudha have an extra element as the place gleams with oil lamps while prayer flags soar high fluttering simultaneously. People start their kora (circumambulation) around the stupa in a clockwise direction spinning prayer wheels and the entire place appears magical. Light butter lamps or offer praying flags and join the kora for an absolute spiritual contentment.  

After the tour of Boudhanath Stupa, visit the Tushita Heaven Thangka Shop, a leading producer, wholesaler, retailer and exporter of authentic and genuine Thangka paintings. The remarkable Thangka art form of Nepal is popularly used as a teaching tool to illustrate the life history of Gautam Buddha, monks, other god/goddesses and bodhisattvas. Meet the shopkeeper, who will give an insight about the art form, its types, and religious as well as its artistic significances.

Lunch at local restaurant at your own on direct payment basis.

We then continue our drive to Dhulikhel. Situated at the foothills of the Pachkhal Valley, Dhulikhel is about 21 miles towards the eastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley on the Chinese built Arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. A 45-minutes’ drive from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel offers the best views of the Himalayas along with beautiful pagoda style temples.

Dhulikhel, which has always been an important trade center, is a place of exhilarating beauty and unparalleled serenity. Also popular for the remarkable view of the sunrise and sunset, Dhulikhel is famous for its vantage location in viewing the Himalayas. The old town of Dhulikhel is a close traditional Newari settlement with an assembly of fine old Newari houses with beautifully carved windows and doors. The core area of Dhulikhel has interesting narrow cobbled streets and lanes embedded with number of Hindu Shrines and a few Buddhist Stupas.

We then check in to the hotel where the remaining day will be at leisure.

Overnight at Dwarika's Resort Hotel (Junior suites). (B, D)

http://dwarikas-dhulikhel.com/home

DAY 18: DHULIKHEL   

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

We begin our day exploring Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the “City of Devotees” is a major tourist destination that takes visitors back in time. Bhaktapur lies on the Arniko Highway that connects Kathmandu to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively.

The extraordinary Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley.

In Bhaktapur Durbar Square, visit the Nyatapola Temple, the unique temple that literally means “five storied” and rises above the city’s landscape as a remarkable landmark. 

Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Bhairav, the God of Terror, is a three-storied temple noted for its artistic grandeur and stands adjacent to the famous five-storied Nyatapola Temple.

The Golden Gate is the entrance to the XV century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. The golden gate is a masterpiece in repousse art, which has added splendor to this palace square that consists of buildings dating from the XIII century to the XVIII century.

You can also stroll around Taumadhi Tole, a short street lined with tourist shops. During the tour, we will visit local Haku Patasi  and Dhaka Topi Shop and interact with the shopkeepers. Lunch at local restaurant at your own on direct payment basis.

Later drive back to the hotel. Remaining day enjoy the activities offered by the resort: Use of Himalayan Salt Room, Use of Chakra Sound Therapy Chamber, Use of Meditation Maze, Group Yoga Session, Group Meditation Session, Group Pottery Session, Visit to the farm, Use of Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, Use of Garden of Nine Planets, Art and Painting Session.

Overnight at Dwarika’s Resort Hotel. (B, D)

Important note: Extra cost will be applicable for Spa and Massage

DAY 19: DHULIKHEL/KATHMANDU/DELHI

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Morning transfer to Kathmandu. Lunch at local restaurant at your own on direct payment basis.

Later, transfer to the airport for boarding our plane to Delhi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel. Check in at hotel. Enjoy Farewell dinner at your hotel in Delhi. Overnight at The Roseate House Hotel. (B, D)

DAY 20: FLY BACK HOME

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for your international flight to home. Check out time at hotel is 12:00. (B)

Important note: Reporting time at the international airport is at least 3 hours prior to flight departure time.

END OF OUR SERVICES

B: Breakfast  L: Lunch  D: Dinner

THE ITINERARY IS INCLUDING:

·      Accommodation in a double/twin sharing room basis.

·      Meals as per mentioned in the itinerary without drinks.

·      Welcome and farewell dinner.

·      Air conditioned De-luxe vehicle, without washroom (35 seater)

·      Bottled water in vehicle during sightseeing and excursions

·      Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi 

·      Demonstration of Marble craftsmanship in Agra

·      Tonga ride in Agra till Taj Mahal Entrance

·      One photo of group in front of Taj Mahal for each group member

·      Air conditioned class train ticket in between Agra to Jhansi  (AC Chair car)

·      Special Dinner at Dera Amer  in Jaipur

·      Jeep ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur

·      Rickshaw ride in Varanasi

·      Meeting with local Buddhist Monkin Leh.

·      All airport transfers and sightseeing tours using non AC innova in Leh: 4 to 5 passengers in each car.

·      Meeting and tea session with King of Ladakh/Royal family member. Subject to his presence in town and good health conditions.

·      An exclusive/private boat ride in Varanasi. Please note boat ride on the Ganges River, Varanasi, is subject to water levels.

·      All necessary surface transfer and sightseeing tour as per the itinerary in a private vehicle.

·      Services of English speaking guide throughout the trip.

·      Bhuthan visa fees.

·      All government taxes

THE ITINERARY IS NOT INCLUDING:

·       India and Nepal visa fees

·       Tipping and gratitude     

·       Lunches at any hotel/restaurant, as specifically mentioned.

·       International, regional and domestic airfare.

·       Insurance and rescue of any form.

·       Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.

·       Baggage excess.

·       Photography charges in the monasteries and monuments.

·       Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, communication charges, laundry, tips etc. and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

·       All visitors to India require a valid passport. A visa for entry to India is required by most nationalities.

·       Check-in time at hotel is 14:00 and Check-out time is 12:00 Noon.

·       Late check-out and early check-in are subject to availability.

·       Check-out after 16:00 hours are subject to the following charges: 25% of the room rate between 16:00-18:00 hours, 50% between 18:00-21:00 hours and 100% of the room rate after 21:00 hours.